Suddenly it swoops,
with talons splayed and ready,
a sudden impact...
.
A sharp-sight falcon
targets its unwary prey,
victims have no chance,
they both fall as one shadow,
then…. a blowup of feathers
.
Chattering birds chirp,
fearful of what’s happening,
all of them take flight
to a place hidden from sight
‘neath a shelter of branches
.
What does it matter
how hard I try to be sly,
the moment you land
.
You seem aware of
ev’ry small detail of where
your prey is lying
.
You see me watching,
you glare back defiantly,
I whisper respect,
.
Your shrill voice responds,
knowing I won’t interfere
you start ripping flesh
.
Elusive you seem
in so secluded a place,
at no one’s expense
.
You command the skies,
and most, in fear, or respect,
flee from your presence
.
You have my regard
as a symbol of wisdom
and perseverance,
.
The hoped-for freedom
that most men strive to possess
sings in the essence
.
Of your singular
individuality,
and fearsome presence,
.
Thanks for giving me
the opportunity to
observe your prowess,
to photograph you firsthand,
and to capture your cunning….
.
Bon appétit.
.
©richard lloyd cederberg
9/2023
A NEW RACE OF HuMANS...
and your description bears this
out admirably…
A finely penned piece of writing…
Best wishes,
Diana…
Oh, those ima1ges, Sir Richard!
But I am glad not in my yard.
Just squirrels and momma cats I see.
So thanks you made me think deeply. .
You must have a way with birds, nicely penned, love the form, have a great day :)
Our backyard bird feeder is often targeted by migrating peregrines, Cooper's hawks and kestrels. More often than not, I see them frustrated as their prey flies off in all directions or hides in a very dense privet we have in the backyard. But one day as I watched a hawk tear apart a bird in my backyard, a cat jumped from the fence on its tail. Fortunately, the hawk got away with its tail feathers, only to come back later when the cat wasn't interested in the dead bird, to finish eating it.
Ron
Wish I could, maybe I'll play with it more one day. Absolutely stunningly beautiful and the last line before curtain call Bon appétit..
Love it!
~ D